Think of someone who you fear. Now, think of someone who you esteem and respect. Do these happen to be the same person?
If you are like me, then the answer is no. For me, it is difficult to read the word “fear” in the Scripture without having an appropriate context for it.
Fear can be viewed as either a positive or a negative emotion. Most of us, because of today’s culture and societal norms, view fear negatively. That line of thinking can lead you to fear someone, and yet not hold them in high esteem or have any respect for them.
However, the same thought can not hold true for God, our Heavenly Father. Those who have a fear of God will not be afraid of Him! In fact, the fear of God is actually a blessing.
In Jeremiah, the Lord promises to fill His chosen people’s hearts with a fear of Him for their own good so that they would not turn from Him (Jeremiah 32:39-40).
The fear of God is based on who He is – His characteristics. His infinite power. His absolute holiness. His unconditional love. His never ending mercy. I could go on and on.
This healthy fear keeps us out of trouble. This is the type of fear that honors and respects God and His promises.
Sadly, there are many people who believe in God but do not believe that God really cares that much about our sin, our disobedience, or our daily activities. That is the ultimate lie!
In fact, Scripture tells us that God disciplines and corrects those whom He loves (Hebrews 12:6).
God’s holiness does not change based upon our current culture or lifestyle (Malachi 3:6). God’s love for us does not increase when we do “good” things and does not decrease when we do “bad” things (Romans 5:8). God’s power is not neutralized or lessened by discouraging circumstances (Luke 18:27).
Each and every one of God’s characteristics and attributes are fully and wholly realized and are constantly at work every moment of the day for every person on this earth.
God is not fickle, but He is our all-powerful Lord God Almighty! That is who we are dealing with!
Our God who reigns supreme over this whole earth and everyone in it (Psalm 97:1, 5).
Our God who controls and commands the winds and the waves (Jeremiah 10:13; 1 Kings 8:35-36).
Our God who cares intimately about us (Psalm 139:1-3).
In knowing and believing all of these attributes of God, our only natural response is to fear God. To fear God is to esteem, respect, honor, and adore Him above anyone or anything else while also maintaining a healthy fear of the power and magnificence of God.
As a result of fearing God, He will show us His continual mercy (Luke 1:50). I’m sure you have heard this before: God’s mercy is shown when He does not give us what we deserve. We all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). So, we truly deserve death (Romans 6:23). Yet God in His never ending compassion, spares us with His mercy (Lamentations 3:22).
When we fear God, we truly understand how serious God is about sin (Isaiah 59:2). When we value the things that God values, we will truly begin to rejoice in the mercy He offers us.
The bigger and more significant that God is to us, the smaller our problems appear next to Him (2 Corinthians 4:17). The less important our family and friends’ attitudes and opinions are, the more we will gain the peace and tranquility of God (Philippians 4:7). When we continue in God’s peace, that makes us even more thankful for God’s mercy.
God’s mercy gives us a spiritual perspective on life so that we can walk in the faith even in the midst of this deteriorating, declining world.
I am so thankful that God has blessed me with a fear of Him so that I can experience His continual mercy.
Father God, help me to maintain a healthy fear of You. Please forgive me when I treat You simply as a friend, forgetting your holiness and splendor. Please forgive me when I drift away, distancing myself from you, forgetting your compassion and love for me. Grant me wisdom to understand and believe that your grace and mercy are sufficient even when I fail. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Peace and grace unto you,
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This blog post is part of our Rejoice series.
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